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The development of onshore renewables on Lewis, particularly in the onshore wind sector, has driven a requirement to reinforce the electricity transmission network on the island.

To support the connection of the Uisenis Wind Farm, located to the south of Stornoway, the following works have been identified:

The construction of approximately 25km of new 132kV Overhead Line to replace the existing line linking Lewis and Harris

The construction of a new Gas Insulated Switching Station near Balallan, to facilitate the connection of the Muaitheabhal Wind Farm onto the electricity transmission network

The removal of the existing 132kV Overhead Line between Balallan and Stornoway Grid Supply Point

Connections of the Overhead Line at Balallan, Stornoway Grid Supply Point and the new Arnish Substation

Key benefits of these works will include the facilitation of connecting local renewables onto the network, as well as improving the security of the island electricity network.

Stornoway and Balallan Proposal "3D Route Map"

An overview of our route and Switching Station

The adjacent video, which has been designed by specialist company 3D Webtech, allows viewers to see what the Balallan 132kV Switching Station and Balallan - Stornoway 132kV Overhead Line Replacement would look like. This video has been created to increase the transparency of our plans following and was on display at the public exhibition held in Stornoway.

We are keen to hear your views on the 3D models, and all of the materials from the public consultation is on display upstairs at the Kinloch Historical Society for the next five weeks. You can send your feedback either via the comments forms found at the back page of the project booklet or by email to Lisa Marchi - Grey, the project’s Community Liaison Manager, at lisa.marchi@sse.com.

Legend

The data in this map is provided for indicative purposes only and may be subject to change. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc donot accept responsibility for its accuracy, completeness or validity. The data should not be copied, reproduced or utilised externally without permission.

Investments in projects are made by SHE Transmission plc. Electricity transmission companies are authorised to recover the costs of such investments through 'use of system' charges which are levied by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc on generators and suppliers of electricity. Suppliers recover their costs from all electricity customers. In order to protect the interests of customers, the transmission companies have to demonstrate to the energy regulator, Ofgem (Office for Gas and Electricity Markets) that proposed investments are necessary, are efficient and are economical so that the charges which are ultimately levied on all electricity customers are justified. This means SHE Transmission is subject to a funding mechanism established by Parliament and regulated by Ofgem. Cross subsidies between different businesses in the SSE group is not permitted.

The Scottish Ministers are responsible for determination of applications submitted under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. Both statutory consultees and members of the public have the right to submit their representations on the application. All representations will be considered by Scottish Ministers in their determination of the application.The Office for Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), as the regulator, has to approve all investment so project proposals are developed under license conditions. Preferred route corridors chosen will comply with revised ‘Holford Rules’ which are the recognised industry approach to routeing overhead lines amended to reflect Scottish circumstances.

The Holford Rules originated in 1959 as the result of work by Lord Holford, a part-time member of the Central Electricity Generating Board (National Grid's predecessor). The Holford Rules have been augmented by both National Grid and SHE Transmission plc to reflect environmental legislation and best practice in recent years. We have continued to use them as a valuable set of guidelines for reducing the impact of our assets on landscapes. The guidance recommends appropriate application of the Holford Rules to inform routeing. These rules advocate the application of a hierarchical approach to routeing which first avoids major areas of highest amenity, then smaller areas of high amenity, and finally considers factors such as backdrop, woodland and orientation. The Holford Rules apply the term ‘amenity’ to refer to environmental designations and classifications such as Natura 2000 sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, National Parks.The guidance also recognises that the key effect of overhead lines is visual and it advises that the routeing of overhead lines should consider the types of mitigation (screening) that could offset any visual effects. In their National Policy Statement EN-5, the Government has stated that the Holford Rules “should be followed by developers when designing their proposals.” Their use is therefore Government policy, rather than a voluntary choice of SHE Transmission plc.

It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.

The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is the trading name of Scottish and Southern Energy Power...

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